By Sarah Lyons

Every parent wants their child’s birthday to be special, but the cost of throwing a party can really add up, especially if you have multiple children. Is it really possible to cut costs without losing the fun and excitement? Yes, especially if you reuse or repurpose supplies.

Get thee to sales. Buy reusable, discounted party décor, such as basic birthday signs, party lanterns, and photo backdrops. Choose items that have no specific theme and are in a variety of gender-neutral colors. You can even make your own decor out of stronger materials like cardstock or cardboard, or hit up the dollar store for streamers and signs. As you collect a stash, store it in an accessible and organized place so you can easily get to it when a birthday arrives.

Go for games. Bingo, beanbag toss, or yard games like badminton can be used every year. Chalkboards (for birthday signs), cake stands, and punch bowls can also be used for many parties.

Make a DIY photo booth. Kids of any age will have a great time posing in hats, silly glasses, feather boas, or masks you purchase from a dollar store or garage sale. Use a plain sheet or tablecloth for an affordable photo backdrop, or use a whimsical backdrop from a party app. Bonus: Photos can double as thank-you cards for your guests.

Save on tableware. Cloth tablecloths and plastic plates can be washed and used for years. Or, if you aren’t into extra cleanup, use white butcher paper as a tablecloth. Then kids can color right on the table. When the party’s over, simply roll up the paper and toss it. One giant roll of butcher paper will last for years and can be used for many holidays and birthdays.

Use lanterns instead of balloons. Party lanterns cost about the same as balloons, but unlike the former, can be used repeatedly. Choose a variety of neutral colors so you can save money without losing the festive look.

Make it into art. Theme-specific cards and invitations can be turned into wall art, ornaments, gift tags, or garland. Crepe paper and napkins can be made into confetti or garland. Old ribbons and balloons can be used to construct a festive wreath.

Get creative. Scour the Internet or Pinterest for DIY décor ideas and then add small touches to create a fun birthday theme. Try to find items that can be used more than once. For example, animals from a Noah’s Ark party could be reused for a zoo or circus-themed party later on. A little creativity can make for a fun, affordable, and environmentally sustainable birthday party that your child will love. 

Sarah Lyons is a mother and freelance writer whose work has been featured in more than 160 parenting publications.